There was an unfortunate immigration case in Nov. 1999;
a young Cuban boy, Elian Gonzalez, was rescued off the coast of Florida.
(His mother and stepfather were killed when their boat capsized).

Elian lived with relatives in Miami, who did not want the boy sent back to Cuba. Ms. Reno met with Elian's father and grandmothers, when they arrived in the United States. Elian's family (from Cuba) wanted him returned to them. Attorney General Reno sided with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, ruling that Elian should go back to his family. This decision has angered many Cuban-Americans who blame Ms. Reno for enforcing the Law, which gives responsible-parents of minors, the right to raise their own children.

"Miami relatives broke US law, by not giving Elian to his father. The INS determined that only Juan Miguel Gonzalez could speak for his son on immigration matters. From that moment, I could have taken action to return Elian to his father, but I did not. Instead, I gave the relatives a chance to challenge my decision in federal district court. They did, and the court sided with the government. That is why I finally directed the relatives to turn over the child nine days ago. When Lazaro Gonzalez didn't comply, parole and care was revoked. That means that for the past nine days, Lazaro Gonzalez has not had lawful custody of Elian. When the INS places an unaccompanied child into the care of an adult, that adult is required to comply with the directives of the INS. To maintain, as the Miami relatives did, that the INS somehow lacks authority over the immigration parole of a minor in the US, simply ignores the law."
Source: Press statement Reno on Elian Gonzalez Apr 22, 2000.

Whereas, family reunion and repatriation allowing children to grow up in the security of their families, a foundation of both U.S. and international immigration and civil rights laws;
Whereas, parents, unless they are shown to be abusive or neglectful have the right to raise their own children without interference;
Whereas, it is unconscionable and abusive to use a small child as a political pawn;

Source: ADA & INS, support for Janet Reno